songs unheard by the poet next door

Assumption

Wakefulness at the expense of sleep,
Gastronome pleasure at the expense of health,
The cussed laughter at the expense of someone’s misfortunes,
The much desired promotion at the expense of a deserving colleague,
Increasing bank balance at the expense of family time,
Keeping up with Joneses at the expense of saving for future,
The pursuit of vote bank at the expense of environment,
Megalomanic schemes at the expense of world peace.
Paying a heavy price on the assumption that this is success.
As we set forth to tame and conquer the world
We go on sacrificing what is important
In the mistaken belief that what we hanker for
Will buy us everlasting happiness.
Thus ending up with
An emptiness within, restlessness and bad karma.